I just watched a brief video of someone’s thoughts on Christians getting tattooed, and it made me think about the topic. The argument was, basically, that because the Bible doesn’t legitimately oppose tattoos (assuming we are not bound by the Levitical law denouncing them) that tattoos are okay if the heart behind them is right.
In general, I would agree. And I don’t at all think it is a sin issue, more like a wisdom issue. My problem is that I have a really hard time thinking of a scenario in which the heart could possibly be right. And by this, I mean that if someone’s heart is to glorify God, then under what circumstances will a tattoo glorify God? I think the fact that God created us – our bodies, our appearance, our skin without anything etched on it – makes this difficult justification to come up with from the very beginning.
But, even assuming we can get past that rationale…that we can somehow conclude that God didn’t necessarily create us exactly as He wanted us…it remains something that, at best, is going to meet with mixed responses in terms of bringing glory to God. I think it is likely there will always be criticism on both sides of this issue. A tattoo will almost always be a stumbling block for other Christians, and could be a hindrance in witnessing, depending on who you’re talking to. Will the absence of tattoos be a stumbling block to Christians? In and of itself, I really don’t think so. Will it be a hindrance in witnessing? Some might say yes…and not necessarily without some ground to stand on…but, this brings me to another point of discussion.
The hindrance, according to what I’ve heard argued, is that a dissimilar person (ie, someone without tattoos) will be unapproachable, whereas a tattoo could open up opportunity for discussion and make someone realize that they won’t be condemned for their own tattoos. This might be true, but when considering applying the same logic to other scenarios, using it as a rationale can lose some merit. For instance, would Christian women dressing immodestly be appropriate because it could make an immodest unbeliever more comfortable talking to her? It’s a similar issue in many ways…not black and white, hard to define a Biblical standard, potentially a stumbling block for some, but not all…but I think the general consensus is that a short skirt or low-cut shirt are not going to glorify God even if they provide opportunity for conversation.
There were other similar issues in New Testament times…I think particularly of the meat-eating issue…that came down to having freedom in Christ. This example has been used to justify tattoos under the same notion of having freedom. There were differences, though. First, it was clearly addressed in the Bible. Secondly, it was not permanent…it was a behavior that could be modified so as not to offend anyone. It was probably also the case (I’m guessing based on my limited knowledge of the culture at the time) that it was mostly a Jews vs. Gentiles issue, and not generally an issue with a lot of underlying factors (and when it was known that food had been sacrificed to idols – clearly sinful – the meat was not to be eaten)…whereas reasons for getting tattooed can be many and varied and sometimes sinful. This muddies the waters a bit when using tattoos to “relate” to someone. I’m not saying that it wouldn’t ever “work”, but I think there is enough gray area that it’s hard to pronounce it as something that makes a tattoo God-honoring.
I’ve also heard justifications that say tattoos are just an expression of God-given creativity, or like the person in the video claimed, good reminders to them of truth (the examples were tattoos of “forgiven” and “loved”). I can’t say that taken in a narrow view that those are bad reasons. But, do they clear that hurdle of being good enough reasons to justify permanently altering the form God gave you? Are they beneficial enough to you (or someone else?) to make it worth causing other Christians to stumble? Obviously, I think the answer should be no. And I would probably contend as much if someone were to try to debate the virtues of tattoos with me.
But, will I condemn someone over their tattoos? Will it make me think less of another believer if they disagree with me? No. I will admit, though, that it feels divisive and it takes a purposeful perspective adjustment towards the eternal consequences of the issue (which are negligible) to be able to settle in my heart that unity is more important. I guess this brings me to the conclusion that it’s probably an issue that will never be completely agreed upon, but when given the opportunity, as Christians we should make an effort to encourage God-honoring decisions…but to remember Romans 14:4 “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand for the Lord is able to make him stand.”
